November 23 , 2023 The Beacon • 5

Traditions change , but memories are most important

By Josie Sellers

From popcorn chains to bubble lights to tinsel , Christmas tree decorations have changed greatly over the years .

“ I remember popcorn strings , the plastic ice cycles , the colored lights that once they heated up , they bubbled pine needles on the floor , paper rings , star on top of the tree , and Christmas cards hanging off it ,” Joe Guinther said .

Robyn Hickman said her family always decorated the Christmas tree with meaningful ornaments .

“ They were from anniversaries of my parents , ones we made in school or activities like dance or Boy Scouts mostly ,” she said . “ They don ’ t do those much anymore , but I have always bought my girls an ornament every year . So our tree is completely full of everyone ’ s personal ornaments , and they place them on the tree . My mom ,

though , now decorates hers with just colorful bulbs . It ’ s pretty , but it doesn ’ t mean much to me .”

For as long as Rebecca Armstrong can remember , her family decorated with handmade ornaments .

“ My grandpa was a woodcarver , and my grandma crocheted or made those beaded ornaments ,” she said . “ I lived with my grandparents . We had to have icicles on the tree , and my grandma insisted they be put on one strand at a time . We never had garland . We had bubble lights and C7 bulbs . Our tree skirt was also crocheted . I still have most of the ornaments and tree skirt and use them today .

“ When I became a parent , we purchased ornaments for each child reflecting something memorable — vacation , driver ’ s license , et cetera — from that year . When each moved out , they took their box of ornaments

Traditions and trends changed over the years , but the important thing to remember this holiday season is to make memories and spend time with loved ones .

with them to have a start to their own tree .”

Jennifer Bosson remembers always decorating as a family and having a live tree from Scheetz

File

Tree Farm .

“ We had lots of homemade ornaments that we made as kids and some antique ones we were not allowed to hang , even as we grew into adulthood . Now we don ’ t , and I miss it ,” she said .

Sarah Killiany said they always put real candles on a live Christmas tree when she was growing up .

“ My dad would light the candles usually just one time over the Christmas holiday ,” she said . “ We would let them burn for just a couple of minutes while we all watched . It was absolutely beautiful .”

Kristi Schonauer said she has started new traditions now that the family includes grandchildren .

“ It actually starts on Thanksgiving ,” she said . “ Everyone gets a new ornament , and the grands get an Advent calendar to count down the days . The grands always decorate the tree , which I already have up . I think for me the biggest change over the years is I take the time to enjoy it . When my kids were growing up , it seemed like so much other stuff took over ,

like running from house to house , the food , cleaning up the mess , et cetera . Now it all happens at my house . I can actually enjoy the time with my family . My favorite part is just being together . I think that happens with age though too . We appreciate time a lot more .”

Traditions and trends changed over the years , but the important thing to remember this holiday season is to make memories and spend time with loved ones .

Douglas J Speicher

Financial Advisor

45 Downtowner Plaza Coshocton , OH 43812-1922 740-623-0560

> edwardjones . com Member | SIPC

We ’ re more than just a great rate . 5.40

Bank-issued , % FDIC-insured

9-month APY *

Call or visit your local financial advisor today .

* Annual Percentage Yield ( APY ) effective 11 / 15 / 2023 . CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDICinsured up to $ 250,000 ( principal and interest accrued but not yet paid ) per depositor , per insured depository institution , for each account ownership category . Please visit www . fdic . gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information . Subject to availability and price change . CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise , the prices of CDs can decrease . If CDs are sold prior to maturity , the investor can lose principal value . FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value . Early withdrawal may not be permitted . Yields quoted are net of all commissions . CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound . CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide . All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp . ( DTC ).

BF-150990

The Coshocton County Beacon November 23, 2023 | Page 5

Traditions change , but memories are most important

We ’ re more than just a great rate . 5.40

Bank-issued , % FDIC-insured

Menu

STUFFED POTATO